COLREG 1972 - Introduction

• Convention on International Regulation for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as

amended.
• Adopted - 20 Oct 1972; Entered in force - 15 July 1977
• Replaces COLREGS 1960 which entered in force with the SOLAS Convention at
that time.
• Amended in 1981, 1987, 1989, 1993, 2001, 2007
• Also known as 'Rules of the Road', often abbreviated to ROR.

Rules in COLREG 72
(38 Rules divided into 5 parts)
• Part A - General
• Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules
• Section I - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
• Section II - Conduct of vessels when in sight of one another
• Section III - Conduct of vessels in Restricted Visibility
• Part C - Lights and Shapes
• Part D - Sound and Light Signals
• Part E – Exemptions
PART A - GENERAL
Rule 1 Application
Rule 2 Responsibility
Rule 3 General Definitions.

PART B - STEERING AND SAILING RULES

Rule 4 Application
Rule 5 Look-out
Rule 6 Safe Speed
Rule 7 Risk of Collision
Rule 8 Action to avoid Collision
Rule 9 Narrow Channels
Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes
Rule 11 Application
Rule 12 Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 Overtaking
Rule 14 Head-on Situation
Rule 15 Crossing Situation
Rule 17 Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 Responsibilities between Vessels
Rule 19 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

PART C - LIGHTS AND SIGNALS

Rule 20 Application
Rule 21 Definitions
Rule 22 Visibility of Lights
Rule 23 Power-driven Vessels underway
Rule 24 Towing and Pushing
Rule 25 Sailing Vessels underway and Vessels under Oars
Rule 26 Fishing Vessels
Rule 27 Vessels not under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver
Rule 28 Vessels constrained by their Draught
Rule 29 Pilot Vessels
Rule 30 Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
Rule 31 Seaplanes

PART C - SOUNDS AND LIGHT SIGNALS

Rule 32 Definitions
Rule 33 Equipment for Sound Signals
Rule 34 Maneuvering and Warning Signals
Rule 35 Sound Signals in restricted Visibility
Rule 36 Signals to attract Attention

PART E - EXEMPTION
Rule 38 Exemptions